© DreamstimeA cougar
Capt. Patrick Foy of the California Fish and Wildlife Department told KABC the attack took place in Pico Canyon Park outside Santa Clarita.
"The young boy ... was walking up some stairs and was attacked from behind by a mountain lion and bitten in the buttocks," he said.
The boy's injuries were reported to be non-life-threatening and he is expected to make a full recovery.
His bite wounds were swabbed for DNA to hopefully match to a known mountain lion in the area, but thus far the animal has not been found.
The Department of Parks and Recreation confirmed that the park will remain closed pending an investigation.
Foy said officials are trying to lure the mountain lion using a tarp covered in deer meat. If the mountain lion is found, it will likely be put down by authorities.
"Everything we do and every part of our mission is to better help wildlife and people co-exist," Foy explained.
"Having a situation like this where wild animals start attacking — especially small children — that is a super-difficult part of our job."
While officials work to ensure the community's safety, local residents fear a repeat of the terrifying attack.
"It could happen to me," Francisco Salas of Santa Clarita told the outlet.
"It could happen to anybody out there."
Pico Canyon Park is not the only California locale struggling to keep wildlife at bay. Earlier this month, The Post reported on a cashier near Lake Tahoe struggling to keep a bear from invading his 7-Eleven.
In the now-viral footage, Christopher Kinson can be heard shooing "Winnie the Moocher" along. "All right, you had enough to eat. Let's go!" he says.
Reader Comments
Years ago in Alpine California I had two horses that had a large enclosed arena of which lake bottom dredged sand was put down as it gives good footing to a horses hoof . It also shows footprints, horse hoof print and any and all prints from birds to dogs to Mountain lions.
I noticed the clear paw prints of a mountain lion which went from the far end of the arena across and to the water troughs. The water troughs were also where the two feed bins for the horses were located.
So, I parked my vehicle and sat with the window down and my seat back so that I could be comfortably reclined and a tad out of view
I gazed at the stars since this was pre-LED lights which are the scourge of all life . And watched as my horses stood in the night then one who laid down to sleep.
It was a peaceful scene and continued to be as there so elegantly appeared the mountain lion who entered the arena crossed the arena and went to the water trough and began to drink the fresh water.
My horses were unfazed Wonton the Wonder Horse did not get up from his sleeping position Ginger the most beautiful buckskin thoroughbred who ever lived, who was still standing, followed with her head the crossing of the Cougar.
The elegant Mountain Lion or Lioness finished drinking turned and walked back from whence she came. And all was in harmony.
So those who fear , fear not. Those who fear the mosquito eating bat are doing so at our demise.
BK
It is about a snake by D.H. Lawrence if memory serves.
[Link]
(ha, ha - rhetorical seriously....)
Beautiful story indeed and I think it is true - really though whether it is or not doesn't matter to an extent, but why wouldn't it be true being it was genuinely shared.
Ken
Yes yes it is true and memorable to say the least.